+23% Daily Weight Gain
with AgriSea Animal Nutrition.
Proven on Farm.
Neville & Noeline Flay's controlled trial on their Bombay Hills beef finishing operation showed AgriSea-treated cattle gained 23% more weight per day - delivering an 1,800% return on investment at 2019 prices, and even more at today's schedule.
The Background
Neville and Noeline Flay, former dairy farmers, now focus on raising Charolais cross weaners to finish as 2-year-old fattened stock on their 43-hectare property at Drury. With over a decade of using AgriSea Soil and Pasture nutrition, they had already established exceptional soil structure and high-quality pasture.
Their goal was to take the next step - improving their animals' feed conversion efficiency with AgriSea Animal Nutrition (AHT). Quality pasture is only half the equation; the animals must efficiently convert that feed into energy and mass.
The Trial
A controlled trial was set up from July to November 2019 to measure the effect of AgriSea Animal Nutrition on daily weight gain.
| Trial Component | Details | |
|---|---|---|
| Stock | 45 x 10-month-old cattle (Avg. weight: 236kg) | |
| Groups | Split randomly into two mobs | |
| Control Group | 23 cattle (No AHT) | |
| Treatment Group | 22 cattle (AgriSea AHT - 10ml per animal every 2 days) | |
| Duration | July - November 2019 (approx. 120 days) | |
The Results
The weigh-in at the end of November showed a clear difference in daily growth between the two groups.
Daily Weight Gain Comparison
Higher = faster finishing, heavier animals at sale
+23% Faster Daily Weight Gain
0.97 kg/day vs 0.79 kg/day. The treated cattle consistently outgrew the control group throughout the trial period.
Finish Stock Faster
Faster daily gains mean cattle reach target weights sooner - reducing grazing days, freeing up pasture, and getting stock to market earlier when schedules are strong.
Maximise Pasture Value
The Flays had already built exceptional pasture with AgriSea Soil & Pasture Nutrition. Adding Animal Nutrition unlocked the feed conversion side - getting more kg of beef from every kg of grass.
Simple to Apply
5ml per animal per day via water trough or individual dosing. No specialist equipment, no complicated programme. Just consistent daily supplementation.
What This Means at Today's Prices
NZ beef prices have risen significantly since the 2019 trial. Record farmgate schedules through 2025 and into 2026 mean the financial advantage of AgriSea Animal Nutrition is even greater today.
| Price Indicator | 2019 Trial | Current Market (2025/26) |
|---|---|---|
| Steer liveweight ($/kg LW) | $5.00 | $6.65 |
| P2 Steer schedule ($/kg CWT) | - | $7.55 - $9.50 |
| Extra daily return per head | $0.90 | $1.20 |
| Return on Investment | 1,800% | 2,400% |
Daily Cost per Head
5ml of AgriSea Animal Nutrition per day
Daily Return per Head
At current liveweight prices ($6.65/kg)
ROI
$1.20 return for every $0.05 invested
Value of +0.18 kg/day at Different Price Points
Same weight gain advantage - increasing value as prices rise
120-Day Finishing Period (22 head)
Input cost vs additional revenue generated
Carcass Weight Perspective
For farmers selling on schedule (carcass weight), the 0.18 kg/day liveweight advantage converts to approximately 0.095 kg/day carcass weight at ~53% dressing-out percentage.
| Schedule ($/kg CWT) | Extra CWT/day | Daily Return | 120-Day Return (22 head) |
|---|---|---|---|
| $7.55 (P2 Steer, Apr 2025) | 0.095 kg | $0.72 | $1,901 |
| $9.50 (current reference) | 0.095 kg | $0.90 | $2,376 |
Schedule pricing sources: AgriHQ / Beef + Lamb NZ / Farmers Weekly, 2025-2026.
Conclusion
The trial validated that AgriSea Animal Nutrition is a highly cost-effective tool for beef finishing operations. By improving gut health and rumen function, the product acts as a multiplier for farm profitability - allowing the Flays to finish stock faster and maximise the value of their high-quality pasture.
At today's record beef prices, the returns are even more compelling - a 2,400% return on investment delivering $1.20 per head per day from just 5 cents of input cost.
Recommended Products
The AgriSea products that supported the Flay's exceptional beef finishing results.
Animal Nutrition
Direct animal supplement providing minerals, pre & probiotics to support gut health, rumen function, and feed conversion efficiency.
Learn More
Soil Nutrition
Liquid seaweed biostimulant that feeds soil biology, improves nutrient cycling, and builds the exceptional pasture quality needed for finishing operations.
Learn MoreReady to Finish Stock Faster?
Talk to your local AgriSea Field Consultant about integrating Animal Nutrition into your beef finishing programme.
View Animal Health Products